Publix Reformulates Soda, Settles Suit

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets here has reformulated its store-brand Publix Diet Lemon Lime soda as part of a settlement in the case of a Florida consumer concerned about the potential formulation of benzene in cans of the soft drink. The suit alleged that two ingredients, ascorbic acid or vitamin C and potassium benzoate, a preservative, may form a small amount of benzene when combined and exposed to heat. Benzene is a carcinogen. “Out of an abundance of caution and continued customer confidence in our brand, we engaged our supplier [Cott Beverages], the experts in soda manufacturing, to reformulate our Diet Lemon Lime variety to prevent the possible formulation of benzene under hot conditions over extended periods of time,” said Maria Brous, Publix’s spokeswoman. Cans of Publix Diet Lemon Lime soda with a use by date of July 3, 2008, or later, have been reformulated. A similar suit was filed against Safeway last year over the potential presence of benzene in its private-label Safeway Select Diet Orange soft drink. The retailer also reformulated its product.

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